ASHEVILLE – An inmate at the Buncombe County jail is being treated for tuberculosis, the Sheriff’s Office said Monday.

The inmate has been isolated for treatment, which will continue until he is no longer contagious, Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Natalie Bailey said.

Jail staff and inmates who may have come in contact with the inmate also are being tested. Letters will be sent to any inmates that were released but may have been in close contact with him during their stay.

Staff and inmates may also request tuberculosis screening, even if they have not been identified as coming into contact with the inmate who has tuberculosis, Bailey said.

Buncombe County Detention Facility officials are working in conjunction with Buncombe County Health and Human Services. Bailey said staff members are being educated about the signs and symptoms of tuberculosis, a serious infectious disease of the lungs.

Symptoms include a chronic cough, night sweats and loss of appetite. Coughing, sneezing, singing and even yelling can cause tuberculosis to spread.